Secondary School admissions: more children given school of choice

More children have been given their choice of secondary school in Sheffield as admissions results out today (Tuesday, 1 March) show.

More than 96 per cent of pupils starting secondary school in September have been given a place in one of their preferred schools, an increase of almost two per cent on last year’s results.

Sheffield City Council has been able to achieve a higher number of preference places by providing 150 extra places for Year Seven pupils this year spread throughout the city. The authority is also commissioning two new secondary schools to meet the increased demand for places – one in the north east and one in the south west – which will open in September 2018.

Councillor Jackie Drayton, Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “I hope today’s results are a big relief to the thousands of families across Sheffield who have been waiting to find out if their child has been accepted into their school of choice.

“We’ve been able to meet more preferences this year and are providing more local school places to help us meet the needs of our growing population. We all want the best for our children and a huge priority for us is to keep on raising attainment and achievement rates across the city. Getting into your school of choice and having outstanding local schools are key to this.”

In total 96.07 per cent of pupils were allocated one of their three preferences, with 5,335 pupils – 87.33 per cent – being allocated their first choice. Last year 94.32 per cent were allocated one of their three choices, with 5,194 – 86.48 per cent – allocated their first choice.

Children who were not allocated a place at any of their three preferences have either been referred back to their catchment school or been allocated the nearest school with places available.

Information and advice is available for anyone not satisfied with the school they have been allocated. Parents also have the right to appeal. Appeals take place between April and July.